Zaman - Automaker Ford is soon to launch its Cargo Latin heavy duty truck, the first ever product developed according to the company’s new “One Ford” strategy that entails an integrated design and production capability using Ford subsidiaries worldwide. The new strategy relies on manufacturing vehicles using common parts that can be sold around the world, just like the Turkish-Brazilian engineered Cargo Latin, which will soon find its way to a diverse range of markets from the Americas to China.

The model 1846T, developed by Ford’s Turkish unit in partnership with Ford Brazil, represents the brand’s return to heavy truck business under the Ford Cargo name. The truck will be jointly manufactured in Ford Otosan’s Inonu plant located in the Turkish province of Eskisehir and the company’s Brazilian plant.

The new Cargo Latin targets a global market of about 80 countries, according to Ford Otosan Director General Haydar Yenigun. “Our export strategy is based on providing supply for emerging markets around Turkey, meeting the heavy truck demand in Russia, Eastern Europe, Turkic Republics, North Africa and the Middle East,” said Yenigun about the upcoming 1846T model.

Formed as a JV between Koc Holding of Turkey and Ford Motor Company of USA, Ford Otosan established itself as a leading manufacturer of light commercial vehicles (LCV) and medium-heavy trucks for global markets. Ford Otosan’s production plant in Kocaeli in western Turkey also houses the third largest research and development center of Ford’s European operations.

As the first company to produce trucks in Turkey, Ford Otosan manufactured over 180,000 trucks since its incorporation in 1960.